A Blockchain-Based Framework for Transparent, Secure, and Verifiable Online Examination System

Abstract

The goal of online examination is to ensure convenience, scalability, expanded reach, and customization. Despite the popularity of online exams, there have been some demonstrations against using them. The existing system is vulnerable and faces failures like question paper leakage, answer deception, trying to forge scorecards, difficulty in ensuring the integrity and consistency of scorecards by the exam board, and so on. Blockchain technology is the greatest and unsurpassed option for continuous authentication, confidentiality, and reliability. A blockchain-based framework for an online examination system is proposed to collect, register, and maintain a growing list of records using cryptography. It is also a peer-to-peer system that manages or stores time-stamped transactions such that no one can alter them. The proposed model combines time lock and multi-signature techniques and ensures the encrypted questions are locked till the exam starts, candidates’ answers are not altered, and scorecards are not manipulated. The system is open to the public, and the system’s processes are transparent. The costs associated are analyzed with the suggested solution’s on-chain and off-chain evaluation.